Drum roll please: Baking Industry Awards 2026 finalists revealed

The moment you’ve all been waiting for has arrived as British Baker reveals finalists for the Baking Industry Awards 2026.

Ensuring all shortlisted entries get their moment in the spotlight, we will be publishing articles on finalist line-ups for each category over the course of the week – these shall go live at midday on the days stated below.

To view articles, click on the relevant links below (once available) or use the drop-down menu at the top of the page.

Bakery Leader of the Year – sponsored by Whitworth Bros

A commercial director, production head, and the founders of three bakery businesses are the finalists of this brand-new category.

Bakery Retailer of the Year – sponsored by IFF

With four of the six finalists having lifted the trophy in recent years, who will claim the title in 2026?

Free-from Bakery Product of the Year

A low-carb loaf and a caterpillar cake made without wheat, a plant-based savoury pastry, and an on-trend flavoured egg-free cake comprise the finalists.

Tuesday 8 September

• Baker of the Year – sponsored by Brook Food & Bakery Equipment
• Online Bakery Business of the Year – sponsored by IRCA
• Supplier of the Year

Wednesday 9 September

• Bakery Manufacturer of the Year – sponsored by Fritsch
• Craft Bakery Business of the Year – sponsored by Dawn Foods
• Speciality Bread Product of the Year – sponsored by Bako Group

Thursday 10 September

• New Bakery Product of the Year – sponsored by Baker & Baker
• Team of the Year – sponsored by Coperion

Friday 11 September

• Bakery Brand of the Year – sponsored by Craggs & Co
• Rising Star Award – sponsored by Rademaker
• Sustainability Initiative of the Year – sponsored by Macphie

The winners will be revealed at a black-tie ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Wednesday 25 November.

Hosted by a yet-to-be-revealed celebrity, the event will also feature a presentation for the Outstanding Contribution to the Baking Industry, sponsored by Délifrance.